Eating a Mediterranean-style diet, which is rich in vegetables and limits red meat, may lead to better gum health, according to a news release dated September 15 from King’s College London in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, patients who regularly follow the Mediterranean diet may have lower levels of inflammatory markers linked to periodontal disease, according to the release.
“Our findings suggest that a balanced, Mediterranean-type diet could potentially reduce gum disease and systemic inflammation,” said Dr. Giuseppe Mainas, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the university, said in the release.
Prior research has linked a Mediterranean diet to a reduced risk of major diseases, including heart disease, neurodegenerative conditions, and certain cancers. Diet can affect health by influencing the immune system and controlling inflammation. Plant-based diets are often associated with lower inflammation levels, according to the release.
For this study, researchers examined 200 hospital patients from the university’s oral, dental, and craniofacial biobank. They performed oral exams, collected blood samples, and gathered dietary information through questionnaires.
Participants who did not follow a Mediterranean-style diet had more severe periodontal disease, especially those who ate red meat frequently. Additionally, these patients displayed higher levels of inflammatory markers, including Interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein, according to the release.
However, further research is needed to create personalized strategies for improving periodontal health.
“Our research offers an important starting point that can lead to more research to better understand the relationship between foods intake and gum disease,” said Mainas.
